python : bpy.context.object vs bpy.context.active_object
Some side cases.
There are some side cases.  If we add
print(context.object, context.active_object)

Edited draw method
    def draw(self, context):
        print(context.object, context.active_object)
        layout = self.layout

        obj = context.object

        row = layout.row()
        row.label(text=&quot;Hello world!&quot;, icon='WORLD_DATA')

        row = layout.row()
        row.label(text=&quot;Active object is: &quot; + obj.name)
        row = layout.row()
        row.prop(obj, &quot;name&quot;)

        row = layout.row()
        row.operator(&quot;mesh.primitive_cube_add&quot;)

to the draw method of the Text Editor &gt; Templates &gt; Python &gt; UI Panel Simple run the script, mouse over the panel and add or select sphere, it will spurt
&lt;bpy_struct, Object(&quot;Sphere&quot;) at 0x7f05669b3c08&gt; &lt;bpy_struct, Object(&quot;Sphere&quot;) at 0x7f05669b3c08&gt;

into the system console.
If we pin the sphere to the properties area, and add or select the Cone

will become
&lt;bpy_struct, Object(&quot;Sphere&quot;) at 0x7f05669b3c08&gt; &lt;bpy_struct, Object(&quot;Cone&quot;) at 0x7f05669b6008&gt;

ie in the context of the properties space, pinned to the sphere, that is the context object.  The Cone is the context active object.
Also applies to an operator invoked from the pinned panel.